West Coast Real Estate Acquisitions Associate

Morgan Stanley; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing seeks a full-time Associate to join the West Coast Acquisitions team in Los Angeles to support underwriting, execution, and market analysis across core/core-plus, net lease and opportunistic strategies. You will lead financial analysis and prepare presentation materials for potential opportunities, manage due diligence through closing, and coordinate market research with brokers and partners.

This role also involves mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record.
• 4–6 years of relevant work experience in real estate investing, lending, development, brokerage, or investment banking (including leveraged finance or sponsors coverage).
• Advanced real estate financial modeling skills; experience with Argus DCF or Enterprise strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and technical capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams and take ownership of projects.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and collaborative team player.

Responsibilities

• Leading financial analysis and preparing presentation materials for potential investment opportunities.
• Managing the due diligence process through deal execution and closing.
• Coordinating and synthesizing market research and third-party diligence.
• Interfacing directly with investment sales brokers, joint venture / operating partners, and developers.
• Supporting and executing business development initiatives.
• Conducting detailed research and analysis on markets, sectors, and investment strategies.
• Mentoring junior team members and contributing to team workflow management.

Skills

Financial analysis

Advanced real estate modeling

Argus DCF / Enterprise

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Mentoring junior team members

Education

Bachelor’s degree in real estate or finance

Tools

Argus DCF

Excel

Job description

Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing seeks a full-time Associate to join the West Coast Acquisitions team in Los Angeles to support underwriting, execution, and market analysis across core/core-plus, net lease and opportunistic strategies. You will lead financial analysis and prepare presentation materials for potential opportunities, manage due diligence through closing, and coordinate market research with brokers and partners.

This role also involves mentoring junior staff.